Microtonal Melody - Microtonal 1

This experiment was designed to showcase microtonality as ornamentation. In traditional performance, we use vibrato, portamento/shifting, and even intonation differences to shape a diatonic or chromatic line. These are all uses of microtonality in our traditional Western tradition.

I wanted to take that concept one step further, using the upper partials of the microtonal scale, R20 in ornamentation and melody.

Underneath the melody, using harmonies derived from the central nodes of the R20 scale, I created a progression to accompany the melody.

Aesthetically, I attempted to give some ‘personality’ to the melody by manipulating the attack time of the synth’s ADSR remotely. The melody declares, ‘I’m weird, but I have something important I want to say.’

I also, with a controller, manipulated the first partial of the additive synth I built, to create vibrato (LFO) in the voice, for the accompanying harmony part.

(For more information, see my article Integrated Frequency)